56. Mr. CLEMENT EDWARDSasked the Prime Minister whether Circular No. M.M. 139, recently issued by the Ministry of Munitions in batches of thousands, has received the sanction of the War Cabinet; and whether, having regard to the nature of the questions asked and answers given in the circular and their effect on 523 recruiting, he will consider the advisability of ordering its immediate withdrawal?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of MUNITIONS (Mr. Kellaway)Circular No. M.M. 139 sets out in popular form the conditions governing the Schedule of Protected Occupations M.M. 130. In view of the fact that this Schedule and subsequent modifications were approved by the War Cabinet, the express sanction of the War Cabinet was not required before its issue. It is not proposed to withdraw the circular.
Mr. EDWARDSI beg to give notice that I shall call attention to the matter on the Vote later in the day.